Malahat reopens to 24-hour traffic, but not before tempers flare

Photo: Glacier Media

Drivers frustrated by delays getting over the flood-damaged Malahat Highway near Victoria have taken their anger out on flaggers, say police, who moved in to keep the peace.

“We are aware that some motorists have taken out their anger on flaggers, who are only doing their job,” said West Shore RCMP Const. Alex Berube. “We acknowledge that tempers are high and patience is running thin.”

Long lines of cars stretched from Greater Victoria service stations Wednesday as pumps began running dry.

Difficulties trucking gas over the Malahat were leading to shortages, said Peninsula Co-op’s Erik Gault, who pleaded with motorists to stay off the highway.

Maritime Forces Pacific issued a notice Wednesday encouraging staff living north of the damage site to work remotely while repairs are underway.

Island Health said that people with essential medical appointments that require a trip over the Malahat should monitor travel advisories and plan for extra travel time in the event there are delays as a result of road-repair work.

The Brentwood Bay-Mill Bay ferry had extra sailings for the past few nights, including four extra round trips Wednesday evening, but crew limitations mean they can’t continue, said spokeswoman Deborah Marshall.

But there's good news for commuters – progress with repair work has led the Ministry of Transportation to open the Malahat to single-lane, alternating traffic 24 hours a day.

No more overnight closures are planned.